Philadelphia Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers
Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have become popular alternatives to other forms of public transportation. The convenience of being able to request a car with an app on a smartphone has proven to be a successful business model and has quickly displaced traditional taxi services in many markets.
In addition to being more convenient than taxicabs, ridesharing services have the added benefit of significantly higher insurance requirements while transporting passengers. Unlike regular taxis, which almost always carry the state mandated minimum coverage, ridesharing vehicle in Pennsylvania are required to have at least $500,000 of liability insurance when engaged in a prearranged ride. They also offer higher limits to cover medical bills and usually include uninsured motorist benefits.
While ridesharing services have their benefits, they are not without their problems. There have been concerns with the safety of ridesharing drivers who are not professional drivers and do not undergo the same level of training as those who hold CDL licenses. Also, unlike truck drivers, there are less regulations about how many hours an Uber or Lyft driver can work- potentially creating a hazard to the public.
Because of the hybrid nature of ridesharing vehicles, whether or not a driver is “engaged in a prearranged ride” at the time of the accident is crucial for determining liability limits, tort status and medical expense reimbursements.
Our office has successfully represented both drivers and passengers who were injured as a result of a ride-sharing motor vehicle accident and we can help navigate the complex insurance issues associated with these types of cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a ridesharing service or if you are an Uber or Lyft driver who was injured while on the clock, we can help. Contact our office today for a free case evaluation and to review your legal options.